New Screening Rules for Medical Fellowships

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Bahraini doctors working in government health institutions must pass new screening procedures—including examinations, interviews and conduct checks—before being selected for residency or subspecialty fellowship training, under a new decision issued by the Supreme Council of Health.

Decision No. 28 of 2026 sets out updated rules governing the nomination of doctors for the resident doctor programme and medical fellowship training. The regulation will take effect one month after its publication.

The rules apply to all doctors in government health institutions, existing civil service regulations will apply where no specific provision is stated.

Under the residency pathway, applicants must be Bahraini nationals, hold a valid licence from the National Health Regulatory Authority, and pass a selection exam where applicable, in addition to a personal interview.

Selection will be based on a combination of exam results, interview performance and curriculum vitae assessment. The exam will serve as a primary measure of medical knowledge and readiness to practise.

The interview will assess leadership skills, ethical awareness, stress management, communication abilities and career objectives, while the CV review will include academic performance, training courses and research experience.

Successful candidates must sign formal training agreements following approval procedures.